Area prepares for Isaac
PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ
Dick Hilliard, retired Navy Chief Petty Officer and resident of Tower Wood manufactured home community, is the park's preparedness coordinator for emergency weather situations. Here, he explains the forms sent to residents requesting their family's contact information and next of kin, as well as flyers that show people what to pack in their emergency kits.
PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ
These are examples of what one might pack in an emergency kit: paper products, toiletries, quick snack foods, canned goods, and anything else that doesn't need refrigeration. Also, one suggestion a person might not think of: bug spray.
PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ
Mary Hilliard, Dick's wife, notes that they have lived in many states with inclement weather, adding that "there's something everywhere" to deal with, when it comes to nature and its unpredictability.
PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ
The Tower Wood Adult Manufactured Home Community was hit pretty hard in the 2004 hurricane season, when Hurricane Charley blew through the area, leaving a path of devastation. They have since mobilized and have people assigned to disaster duty.
Though the current forecast of Isaac shows some wind and rain is coming to the west side of Florida next week, officials in Polk County are prepared and are telling residents they should prepare, too.
They recommend that this weekend residents get 72 hours of food and water for themselves and their pets, be alert for potential downed power lines, trees and other fixtures, clear gutters and drainage areas, bring in the outdoor stuff, and get fuel, sandbags and personal products.
